RESEARCH

METHODOLOGY

BY
PURANJAY SINGH
III - YEAR
PRODUCT DESIGN
STATE INSTITUTE OF DESIGN

ACKOWLEDGMENT
I express my deep sense of gratitude to my Faculty, friends, colleagues and all the
people involved with this project for helping me and guiding me throughout the
duration of this module.

I sincerely thank Ms. Sonal Athre ( Co-ordinator and Mentor) for providing us with
the valuable education and facts without which this project wouldn't have had been
possible to complete.

I convey my regards to all the students and faculty involved in the surveys and thank
them for sharing their valuable knowledge and time for helping me gather the
valuable information required for the completion of surveys, my fellow classmates
and people involved with brainstorming and debates which helped me in putting this
project and document together.

PURANJAY SINGH

CONTENTS
PREFACE
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
INTRODUCTION
PRODUCT
METHODS
PRE-PILOT QUESTIONNAIRE
PILOT QUESTIONNAIRE
BRAINSTORMING
MORPHOLOGICAL CHART

PREFACE
This document represents my study and results accumulated during the duration
of module called Research Methodology. Through this document I share with you
the information and data that I have collected through surveys and
questionnaires related to a product we were asked to study. I have presented the
drawbacks of this product and the view of people towards it. Also in this
document you will find the questionnaires that were framed for conducting
surveys, notes taken during the duration of course, brainstorming and
morphological chart. Lastly, this document is framed with for the purpose of
education, I have not shared my views or comments through it, it solely
represents the data accumulated practicing the methods taught during the
duration of this course.

Thus, through this document I present you my work and researches conducted
in the module of Research Methodology.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

State University of Performing and Visual Arts (SUPVA) formerly known as
Government Technical Institutions Society Rohtak is a 2014 university by
Haryana government in Rohtak. It is a joint campus of four institutions like
State Institute of Fine Arts, State Institute of Design, State Institute of Film &
Television and State Institute of Urban Planning & Architecture. State
University of Performing and Visual Arts (SUPVA) formerly known as
Government Technical Institutions Society Rohtak is a 2014 university by
Haryana government in Rohtak. It is a joint campus of four institutions like
State Institute of Fine Arts, State Institute of Design, State Institute of Film &
Television and State Institute of Urban Planning & Architecture.

INTRODUCTION
Research Methodology is a process used to collect information and data for
the purpose of making business and design based decisions. The
methodology may include research, interviews, surveys and other research
techniques, and could include both present and historical information. It is
one of the most process involved in post- designing of product, since one
studies the pros- cons of the product, analysis the information and come up
with better solutions.
In this module, we had to a choose an existing product in the market and
conduct studies, surveys and analysis of data collected and on their basis
present solutions related to that object.

RESEARCH
Research refers to a search for knowledge, it can also be defined as a
research as a scientific and a systematic search for a pertinent information
on a specific knowledge.

OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH
The purpose of research is to discover answer to questions through the
application of scientific procedures. The main aim of research is to find out
the truth which has not been discovered as yet.

TYPES
QUANTITATIVE

RESEARCH:

is based on the quantitative

measurement of some characteristics. It is applicable to the phenomena
that can be expressed in terms of quantities.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH:

is specially important in behavioural

sciences where aim is to discover underlying motives of human behaviour.
Through such research we can analyse the various factors which make
people like or dislike particular things.

PRODUCT: GLASS TABLE

METHODS
Research Methodology consists of several methods that help in conducting
this methodology successfully.

FIRST METHOD (CHOOSING OBJECT)

The first method involves selection of product for conducting our research
upon. It involves selection of existing or ones imaginary product. Here one
observes the contradictions, problems or irregularities involved in the product
he/she selects.
In the table I selected, I noticed several contradictions and irregularities,
namely:
1.

Space between mirror and body of the table.

2.

Height of the foot-rest.

3.

Body made of metal, wood and glass.

4.

Side storage put on one side.

5.

Upper storage is not symmetrical.

6.

Metal frame is too bulky.

SECOND METHOD (OBSERVATION)

After choosing a product on the basis of its contradictions, problems and
irregularities, the second method involves framing questions asking why
these problems or contradictions exist while answering them from the point
of view of a manufacturer or someone who is neutral. These questions are
necessary to conduct to understand the functionality and design of the table.
Below, are questions and answers I conducted to understand better the
design and functionality of this table.

1. Why are metal and wood used for making table?

Metal and and wood both compliment each other. They give strength,
durability and beautiful furniture.

2. What is the purpose of glass?

Glass is a value addition the furniture, it is ideal for doing

craft work

and cutting.

3. Why supporters in leg for balancing?

They are required to balance legs of the table. They protect the base of
the legs from rusting and from making noises.

4. No holders for water containers?

This furniture has been designed for college purpose, whoever designed or
manufactured didn't knew about the need of students of having holders
for water containers.

5. Non-symmetrical storage and their purpose on the top of the

table?
This table contains twin non symmetrical storages on the top. they have
been constructed with the purpose of keeping our pen and pencils or
objects which are small enough to be kept in them.

6. Storage on left side of the table?

Storage has been given on the left side of the table for keeping sheets
and other stationary stuff. It has been placed on the left side for the
convenience of the user.

7. Why bulky steel frame?

The steel frame is provided to make table durable for a long time and
adding strength to the structure. It helps create a beautiful and a durable
furniture.
After, this exercise we are required to talk with the users about the product
we have chosen and do they sincerely feel need of having improvements in
the product? This exercise is also very important since it gives us an insight
that the user is or is not happy/comfortable/satisfied etc., with the product
and whether their is a scope of improvement in the product.
After conducting this exercise with random people about this table, I felt that
I can pursue this venture forward and that their is a scope for improvement in
this table.

METHOD 3 (DIVERGENCE)
The divergence method means exploring possibilities and constraints of
inherited situations by applying critical thinking through qualitative and
quantitative research methods to create new understanding toward better
design solutions. This process involves interviewing users of the product,
identifying situations and identifying users.
The main objective of this method is constitute a questionnaire on the basis
of results of which we conduct further steps. Keeping following steps in mind,
one should prepare a questionnaire:
1. Identify design decisions
2. Identify user group
3. Critical Information
4. Behaviour study of the user
5. Identify normal activity
6. Minor and Major criticism
7. Stable behaviour and opinion
8. Support your questionnaire with sketches or pictures
9. Identify person for opinion
10. Ask for minimum information needed
11. Ask questions that will be truthfully answered and without bias
12. Ask those questions that informant is needed to answer
On basis of these points a questionnaire is prepared keeping in mind, that it
shouldn't be too long, user is comfortable to answer questions and valid
information can later be collected through them.
Below you will find the attachment of questionnaire that I prepared to
conduct my survey.

PRE-PILOT QUESTIONNAIRE

ANALYSIS OF DATA ( PRE-PILOT QUESTIONNAIRE)

The above stated questionnaires were distributed among 20 candidates
(mostly students) from different fields and batches. The data stated below
in the table has been collected from these questionnaires.

S.No.

Problems

Counts

1 Body or Structure of the table

2 Materials used for building

3 The storage given on the top of the table

4 Right sided sitting arrangement

5 Storage given inside the table

6 Weight and Movability issues

13

7 Not built according to need of students

8 Any other problem

* In S.No. 8. Any other problems the candidates mentioned problems such as:

1. Cannot keep A3 size sheets in the drawer of the storage given in the table.

2. Stability issues of the table.

3. Foot Rest is too high.

Also the Average Ratings the table received on the basis of user experience is 5.7
out of 10.

And also most candidates felt that the table must have a glass top.

Analysing the data, most users felt- Weight and Movability issues and Right sided sitting sitting arrangement were the most common problems.

STUDYING FIRST TIME USER

On the basis of the information gathered, I planned to study a user who was for the
first exposed to the table. This helped me study their behavioural pattern, how he/
she communicated with the product and how suitable was the product constructed
according the user who is for the first time using it.

The results of this study showed some major flaws in the design and functionality of
the table, which helped me in construction of the Pilot questionnaire. Also,
experiencing the behaviour of the first time user, helped me to understand better
the needs and requirements of the students who were using these table.

PILOT QUESTIONNAIRE
After analysing the results of the previous questionnaire and studying the
way first time users interact with the table, an improved version of
questionnaire called the Pilot Questionnaire. This questionnaire was prepared
with the view of presenting candidates with the shortlisted problems and
collecting precise information through them.

ANALYSIS OF DATA (PILOT QUESTIONNAIRE)

The above captioned questionnaires were distributed among 20 candidates
from various fields and batches. Results stated below in the tables were then
collected from these questionnaires to support further research methods.
S.NO.

ISSUES AND PROBLEMS

1 Too strong for requirement of study and

COUNTS
4

working

2 Steel Frame is too heavy and not required for

study

3 Not enough storage for keeping sheets( A3 &

10

A2) and stationary

4 No drawers given with locks for keeping

11

valuable stuff

5 Difficult to lift and shift

12

6 Do you feel the height of the table reasonable

7 Is the storage space sufficient

8 The space given for storage on the top is not

sufficient

S.NO.

ISSUES AND PROBLEMS

1 Insufficient Storage space

2 Not enough storage space on the top of the

table

3 No options for keeping liquid containers

10

4 Right sided sitting arrangement

5 Desk height issue

6 Foot rest issue

After collecting data in tabular forms, it was noticed that:

There is not enough storage for keeping sheets (A3 and A2) and
stationary.
Lockers or drawers with drawers should be provided for keeping valuable
stuff in the table.
The table is too bulky and difficult to lift.
Also they aren't given with liquid container holders.
Also most users felt that since these tables are constructed according to
the needs of students, they should be designed and constructed keeping
these factors in mind.

BRAINSTORMING
Brainstorming combines a relaxed, informal approach to problem solving with
lateral thinking. It encourages people to come up with thoughts and ideas
that can, at first, seem like a bit crazy. Some of these ideas can be crafted
into original, creative solutions to a problem, while others can spark even
more ideas. This helps to get people unstuck by jolting them out of their
ways of thinking.
After completing the data analysis of Pilot Questionnaire, we had to
constitute a team of users from different fields and then do brainstorming.
This helped us in formulating and sharing ideas from the data we had
analysed earlier.
Below youll find images of brainstorming we did during this module.

Analysing view and ideas collected from brainstorming helped in formulating

the issues that users faced. What solutions, corrections and value additions
we could make to the table. Also, we shared some design ideas and what a
table would have if its made according to the needs of the students.

MORPHOLOGICAL TABLE
S.N Essential Functions
o.

Sub- Solutions

1 BODY or STRUCTURE OF
THE TABLE

LESS STEAL
USED IN
FRAME

NO STEAL
USED IN
FRAME

WOODEN
FRAME

2 RIGHT-SIDED SITTING
ARRANGEMENT

CENTRAL
SITTING

LEFT SIDED
SITTING

GIVE
SEPARATE
LOCKERS

3 WEIGHT AND MOVABILITY REDUCE USE

ISSUES
OF STEEL

USE BOARD
INSTEAD OF
WOOD

USE
ALUMINIUM
FRAME

4 DIFFICULT TO LIFT AND

SHIFT

GIVING TYRES MAKE IT

IN LEGS
LESS
BULKY

LESS OR NO
STEAL

5 NO OPTIONS OF KEEPING GIVING

WATER CONTAINERS
CONTAINER
ON EITHER
SIDE

GIVING
HOLDERS ON
ONE SIDE

GIVING
HOLDERS
ON EITHER
SIDE

6 NOT ENOUGH STORAGE

FOR KEEPING SHEETS

INCREASING
SPACE IN
DRAWERS

PRODIVIND
SEPERATE
SPACE FOR
KEEPING
SHEETS

PROVIDE
DRAWER
FOR
SHEETS
BELOW
THE TOP

7 INSUFFICIENT STORAGE
ON TOP THE TABLE

PROVIDING
PROPER
STORAGE FOR
BRUSHES,
PENS AND
OTHER
STATIONARY
ONE SIDE

PROVIDING
PROPER
STORAGE ON
ONE SIDE FOR
STATIONARY

PROVIDING
STORAGE
IN
DRAWERS

8 GLASS ADDS WEIGHT

AND IS FRAGILE

REDUCE SIZE
OF GLASS

USE ANY
PROVIDE
OTHER
CUTTING
TRANSPAREN BOARD
T MATERIAL

OTHER BASED
MATERIALS

PROVIDING
PEN, PENCIL
HOLDERS ON
ONE SIDE.